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Rosa × odorata ‘Mutabilis’ (Chinese Rose)

China Rose, Butterfly Rose 'Mutabilis', Rosa chinensis, Rosa chinensis var. mutabilis, Rosa turkestanica, Rosa x odorata, Rosa 'Tipo Ideale'

AGM Award
Rosa mutabilis, China Rose, Butterfly Rose 'Mutabilis', Rosa chinensis, Rosa chinensis var. mutabilis, Rosa turkestanica, Rosa x odorata, Pink roses, Rose bushes, Garden Roses

A kaleidoscope of colored petals, Rosa × odorata ‘Mutabilis’ (Chinese Rose) is a small shrub with slightly fragrant, large, cupped, single flowers, over 2 in. across (6 cm), opening warm buff-yellow, changing to copper-pink before turning crimson. Purplish when young, the mid-green foliage sets off the colorful blossoms beautifully. Vigorous and almost thornless, this Chinese Rose blooms from summer through to fall. The bush will be covered in flower for about eight weeks from spring to summer and, after a brief rest, will be back with more flower flushes until first frost. Among the most floriferous of all roses, it is perfect for the sunny border and can be grown as a flowering hedge.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grows up to 3-6 ft. tall (90-180 cm) and 2-5 ft. wide (60-90 cm). An excellent choice for hedges and screens and beds and borders.
  • Best grown in full sun, in rich, fertile with adequate moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerant of some shade and poor soils.

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 9
Heat Zones 7 - 9
Plant Type Roses
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Rosa - Shrub Rose, Rosa
Common names Rose
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 3' - 6'
(90cm - 180cm)
Spread 2' - 5'
(60cm - 150cm)
Spacing 24" - 60"
(60cm - 150cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Rosa (Shrub Roses) Rosa (Rose)
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Rosa chinensis ‘Old Blush’ (Monthly Rose)
Rosa rugosa ‘Alba’ (Rugosa Rose)
Rosa rugosa ‘Purple Pavement’ (Rugosa Rose)
Rosa Stormy Weather (Climbing Rose)
Rosa Enchanted Peace™ (Hybrid Tea Rose)
Rosa Pinkerbelle™ (Hybrid Tea Rose)
View All Our Rosa - Shrub Rose

Recommended Companion Plants

Geranium ‘Rozanne’ (Cranesbill)
Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’ (Catmint)
Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ears)
Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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40 Beautiful Native Shrubs for Shade
Rosa (Rose)
June Birth Flower: What is my Birth Flower?
Underplanting Roses – Companion Plants for Roses
Edible Flowers: 16 Varieties to Beautify Your Garden and Plate
Pretty Roses and Clematis Combination Ideas (Part 1)
Best English Roses for Partial Shade
Underplanting Roses with Low-Growing Spring Bulbs
Great Rose Companion Plants: Allium
Great Rose Companion Plants: Geraniums
Great Rose Companion Plants: Nepeta, Salvia and Lavandula
Great Foliage Plants as Rose Companions
Great Colorful Rose Companion Plants
Pretty Roses and Clematis Combination Ideas (Part 3)
Combine Early-Flowering Clematis with your Climbing Roses
Pretty Roses and Clematis Combination Ideas (Part 2)
Combine Late-Flowering Clematis with your Climbing Roses
Combining Roses and Clematis
Native Plant Alternatives to Rosa rugosa (Rugosa Rose)
Native Plant Alternatives to Rosa canina (Dog Rose)
Native Plant Alternatives to Rosa laevigata (Cherokee Rose)
Native Plant Alternatives to Rosa multiflora (Multiflora Rose)
Best English Roses for Pots and Containers
Most Fragrant English Roses
Best English Roses for Cutting from the Garden
Best David Austin Roses for the Southeast
Best David Austin Roses for Southern California
Best David Austin Roses for Pacific Northwest Gardens
Best David Austin Roses for Gardeners in the Midwest
Best David Austin Roses for Mid-Atlantic Gardeners
Best David Austin Roses for Gardeners in New England
Pretty Climbing Roses for your Garden
Pretty Rambler Roses for your Garden
Climbing or Rambler Roses for my Garden?
All America Rose Selections Winners
Best English Roses for Mixed Borders
Main Rose Types for your Garden
Best English Roses for Hedges
Learn How To Plant And Care for Your English Roses
Plants with Purple Flowers to Add Charm to Your Garden
Plants with Pink Flowers to Add Romance to Your Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 9
Heat Zones 7 - 9
Plant Type Roses
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Rosa - Shrub Rose, Rosa
Common names Rose
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 3' - 6'
(90cm - 180cm)
Spread 2' - 5'
(60cm - 150cm)
Spacing 24" - 60"
(60cm - 150cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Rosa (Shrub Roses) Rosa (Rose)
Not sure which Rosa (Shrub Roses) to pick?
Compare Now

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